CBI to probe crimes against women, land grabbing in Sandeshkhali: HC

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday ordered a court-monitored CBI probe into all cases related to Sandeshkhali, including those involving land grabbing, conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture, physical assault on women and alleged rape cases.

A division bench, comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, said the investigation would be monitored by the court and the CBI will have to file a comprehensive report on the complaints at the next date of hearing, scheduled for May 2.

Ahead of May 2, CBI will create a portal where the people can file their complaints. The state government has been asked by the court to cooperate.


The court has directed the state government to instal CCTV cameras in all sensitive areas and LED lights in specific areas, people in the know said.

At present, CBI is probing the attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali on January 5 when they had gone to search the premises of now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with a ration distribution scam case.

The court observed that an impartial inquiry should be undertaken.

Meanwhile, reacting to Amit Shah's remarks that Bengal was doing politics with issue of Sandeshkhali, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, "You have done appeasement politics for votebank. Do you think those who save the culprits of Sandeshkhali should be brought to power?"

"We have brought the complaints from Sandeshkhali. We have been able to prove before the court and the case has been handed over to the CBI. I have informed the court about it. Similar incidents have happened in adjacent areas like Minakha. People can lodge their complaints through email id," advocate Priyanka Tibrewal said.

Sandeshkhali witnessed protests by women over allegations of sexual assault, among other issues. The BJP has fielded a survivor Rekha Patra from Basirhat constituency.